According to the Partnership, this is a 29% increase in Minnesotan's opposition to sulfide mining compared to a similar poll in 2009 when only 19% opposed the new mines. During that poll, 66% of those questioned supported the mines.

“This year's poll shows that as Minnesotans become more aware of the dangers posed by nonferrous mines in sulfide-bearing rock, they are much less likely to support this risky new form of mining in Minnesota,” said MEP’s Executive Director, Steve Morse.

The poll was conducted between January 6th and 8th with 251 respondents. The margin of sampling error is 6.2 percentage points, plus or minus.

Respondents were asked to answer the following question:

“As you may know, new mines are being proposed near the Boundary Waters and Lake Superior. These are different from the traditional Minnesota iron ore mines. These new sulfide mining operations would be used to extract copper, nickel, and other precious metals from underground rock formations containing sulfur. Based on this description, would you favor or oppose these new mines?”